September 28, 1909

State Normal and Industrial School for Women Began Its First Year

The prospectus for the State Normal and Industrial School for Women in Harrisonburg was published in February 1909 to entice students to enroll for autumn classes. The publication provided information about the school's mission, courses, faculty, and student life, as well as an illustration showing the prospective plan for campus buildings. The institution grew to become James Madison University in 1977. The school admitted men to the summer sessions in 1910 and for regular sessions in 1946. In 1966 the college became fully coeducational.